Written by Sonia Naorozy

Edited by Awais Fareed

As part of the current ‘Handle With Care’ season at the Warwick Arts Centre, the Coventry Phoenix Film Festival screened a special selection of shorts films. The programme featured a variety of films which focused on different showcases of care, exploring how we care for ourselves and each other. Sponsored by Film Hub Midlands, the shorts were exclusively created by young filmmakers based around the Midlands, encouraging support for local artists and emphasising care amongst communities.

The curators who organised the screening admitted to challenges they faced in their decisions for the selection of films. One commented on how they had to be mindful when picking the order. Naturally, depicting care also means dealing with sensitive topics, which can be difficult to watch, especially in a short film screening when different portrayals are shown consecutively, with no intervals between. The films were selected in a specific order to avoid the audience feeling overwhelmed or low, which was rightfully accomplished as many were leaving the seats in smiles and reflective chatter, feeling hopeful and lifted rather than drowning in hopelessness. Dealing with heavy subjects doesn’t necessarily mean that they must weigh you down. Rather, sharing these moments and the experience of watching with other people can have a warmly positive effect. Art is meant to make us feel things and expressing heaviness can make you feel lighter.

After the screening, some of the filmmakers participated in a Q&A, where they offered advice to other aspiring filmmakers. Young filmmakers commonly feel anxiety about making something that doesn’t live up to their expectations. You shouldn’t let that define you. You should believe that anything you can imagine, you can make. After all, people will judge you based on your best work. Even when starting out, your first films are often watched by friends and family. The close relationships that surround you and are happy to support you. If you’re truly passionate about something, you can make it happen. You shouldn’t let those fears of failing to meet expectations define you. If you care about it enough, you’ll put in the effort to make it good.

The themes depicted in the films included mental health, relationships, trauma and personal struggles, primarily focused on young people. Some of the short films that were featured are available online. You can watch them via the links below:

Man off the Coast – Matt Sedgley

https://filmfreeway.com/ManOffTheCoast

Greenlight – Josh Brown

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p07ly7n1/new-creatives-greenlight

The Circle of Light – Gabe Clarke

Daydream – Tom Jansco

https://filmfreeway.com/Daydream299

Mama Said – Adom Agyapong